Alex Okafor | Defensive end | Texas | 6'4 1/2, 260 pounds
Alex Okafor 2013 NFL Draft prospect notes
First word: There are several impressive defensive end duos in college football this season, and more so than Jackson Jeffcoat and Alex Okafor at Texas. We'll have more on Jeffcoat in the future, but for today the focus is on Okafor, a senior-to-be. As a junior, Okafor had 56 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, seven sacks and 14 quarterback hurries. Numerous outlets named him to the All-Big 12 first team. In 2010, Okafor lined up at tackle for Texas. He had eight starts inside in 2010, but isn't powerful enough to play there long term. Texas likes to line Okafor wide outside the right tackle on pass plays and lets him come out of a variety of stances. Okafor's first step isn't the most dynamic, but it's not poor either.
Games watched: Oklahoma, Kansas State, Texas A&M, California
Strengths:
• Shows good change of direction ability and agility. Can move around with ease, which makes you think Okafor may have a future as a linebacker/end hybrid.
• When Okafor is working to the inside, he has a really nice jab move. It knocks the lineman out of their stance so he can quickly shoot the gap.
• Gets lined up with his hand in the ground and in a two-point stance. Gets off the line much faster when he's in the two point.
• Keeps his hands active, particularly in one-on-one situations. Extends his arms against the game to keep blockers out of his pads.
• Good awareness to follow the ball, especially on sweeps and play fakes.
• Okafor's size is solid but not great for an end. Looks to have above-average arm length.
Weaknesses:
• Doesn't protect his legs especially well and gets neutralized by low blocks from both lineman and running backs.
• When Okafor is coming out a three-point stance, he'll sometimes get too narrow in his base and lose position.
• Bull rush isn't the strongest or most consistent. Okafor doesn't always keep his legs driving straight ahead. He likes to move around horizontally more.
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